Studies show that people who get 7 to 9 hours of shuteye every night are happier and healthier.

Be kind

Commit random acts of kindness. Those who do report feeling more content than those who don’t. Helping the neighbors and being active in community activities also has been linked to a happier life.

Count your blessings

Count your blessings. Writing down five things you’re grateful just once a week boosts your feeling of well-being. Make peace and reconnect with estranged family members and forgotten friends. The happiest people are the ones with the strongest social ties.

Exercise

Exercise on a regular basis. You’ll be jollier—without the stomach rolls.

Plan fun events

Always have something fun planned. Research shows that anticipating something pleasurable, like a vacation, often brings more joy than the actual event.

Relax about money

Stop being mad that you don’t have more money. A bazillionaire isn’t any happier than the average joe, provided that average joe makes enough to pay his bills.

Consider attending religious services, if you don’t already. People who do consistently report being happier than those who don’t.

Lower expectations

Lower your expectations. Focus on appreciating what you have rather than yearning for what you don’t.